What round two of Trump means for travellers to the US
Donald Trump’s return to the White House will likely impact on US travel policy, including visas, travel bans for those from certain countries, winding back green subsidies such as sustainable aviation fuel, but also easing pressure around deal-making for airlines.
Under Joe Biden, the US State Department reduced visa wait times and eased the travel processes, including backfilling consular positions and using interview waivers to clear backlogs, according to the Skift report.
But Trump also introduced more restrictive visa policies and increased screening and additional scrutiny on travellers from certain regions.
In 2017, the Trump administration restricted entry for citizens from about two dozen countries which he may well reintroduce.
In the last days of his previous administration, Trump also issued a temporary rule that could require tourist and business travellers from two dozen countries – most in Africa – to pay a bond of as much as $15,000 to visit the US. It targeted countries whose nationals have higher rates of overstaying B-2 visas for tourists and B-1 visas for business travellers.
With a target of 90 million annual visitors by 2026, any decision Trump makes will have a significant impact on numbers and also impact airlines, hotels and those businesses dependent on international tourists.
But Trump’s less interventionist policies could also ease pressure around airline deal-making with a Department of Justice’s inquiry into competition into air travel now under question.
Biden’s administration also levied hefty fines and imposed strict rules for airlines, compelling them to provide automatic refunds and adhere to enhanced accessibility requirements, the Skift report said.
As for sustainability, Trump is also expected to rollback incentives, including those for sustainable aviation fuel, potentially reducing compliance costs but also slowing momentum toward sustainable practices, the report said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
donald trump President Donald Trump US State Department visasLatest News
Tragedy at Bali’s Ubud Monkey Forest as tree collapse kills two
A freak event claimed the lives of two tourists at the popular Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali on Tuesday afternoon local time when a large tree branch collapsed. A 32-year-old French woman and a 42-year-old Korean woman were fatally injured. At around 12:30 pm a sudden storm with strong winds and heavy rain arrived with […]
Minor Hotels expands local portfolio with Brisabane’s Queen’s Wharf Residences
This edgy new landmark in Brisbane skyline caps off a big year for the not-so-Minor Hotels group.
Fiji Airways launches new, longest and first-ever direct service to DFW in Airbus A350
Are you a fan of long flights? We don't want any answers from those who turn left...
Taylor Swift closes largest grossing music tour ever, providing huge global tourism boost
With these kind of figures, Swift is a welcome guest!
Ignite Travel Group agents say Aloha with Hawaiian Airlines famil
From surfing to hiking and the odd cocktail (we're sure), Hawaii is a bucket list famil destination for many!
Tourism in Asia and the Pacific reaches 85% of 2019 levels
One billion people travelled the world so far this year! Expect the pointy end of 2024 to get hectic.
ASIC to sue REX over allegations of deceptive and misleading conduct
What's that? An Aussie airline in legal trouble again... You guessed it.
Dorchester and Cathay Pacific advisor promotion winners enjoy luxury fam in Rome and Milan
Winners of a Dorchester Collection and Cathay Pacific travel advisor promotion enjoyed a luxury fam in Roma and Milan where they were wined and dined before enjoying a stopover in Hong Kong. The winners, Hema Desai (Spencer Travel), Ani Aladjadjian (ATPI), Mimi Romijn (Wentworth Travel), Emma Neely-Bartlett (Travel Beyond Group), Nicole Reber (Mosman Travel), Steve […]
Virgin Australia reveals tips for smooth travel as it prepares for record breaking summer season
Our tip for ensuring smooth travel is simple, go solo!
Microsoft: Aussies rack up over half a billion hours in holiday season prep
If you are a travel agent, now is the time to pitch your services!
Mackay Airport flying high for festive season
Mackay is hot right now and expected to get hotter with more Virgin flights to Brisbane.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham adds two to Destination NSW Board
The end-of-year appointments keep rolling in!
Aussie legend Mick Fanning teams up with Airbnb and his Gold Coast SLSC for summer stay
They assure us this is NOT a competition, but we expect the site to crash around 9:58am AEST (NOT AEDT) next Wednesday.
Aviation earmarked as key issue by tourism carbon emission study, entire industry well behind key measures
It doesn't really come as a surprise, but some of the numbers sure are alarming.
Australians urged not to travel to Syria due to risks of kidnapping and air strikes
With the airport now shut, Aussies are being warned to stay clear of Syria given the volatile situation.
Crowne Plaza announces refurbishment of Sydney Airport property
Missed that flight - again! Then here's a place to rest your head, just make sure to set your alarm for AM.
Now THAT’S a wash! Destination British Columbia creates world’s first-ever immersive car wash
I mean...it definitely beats using a bucket and sponge outside the front of the house.
For guests in search of something different – Back-Roads Touring
After travelling with Back-Roads ourselves, we can confirm the merits of the road less travelled.
Jetstar launches Christmas Sale with 140,000 fares from $35
Who needs dinner for two when you can do flights to Byron for two for less?
What is Australia’s busiest airport and travel times during the festive period?
If you are travelling through Sydney Airport this Christmas don't forget your suitcase, passport and resilience.
Cruiseabout celebrates opening of fourth store at BNE’s Westfield Carindale
Four times lucky, isn't that how the four leaf clover works?
Lee Ho Fook chef Victor Liong adds another chapter with new offering Singapore’s Quenino Artyzen hotel
Melbourne chef Victor Liong, of the two-hatted Lee Ho Fook, has added to his culinary storytelling with Quenino by Victor Liong, in Singapore’s Artyzen hotel, where contemporary Asian cuisine is served with a relaxed fine-dining flair. Artyzen Singapore emerged from an iconic Singapore heritage landmark that was once the sprawling tropical-garden mansion named “Villa Marie” […]
ATIA and Australian Travel Education to pursue individual paths
We look forward to new announcements for much-needed travel trade education programs next year. Where do we sign up?
Japan’s Nagano region looks to attract more tourists during the warmer months
We've tried the icy side of Japan's Nagano, but old knees make spring/summer look increasingly attractive.
Cruise Traveller launches special two-week cruise through the Adriatic with Atlas Ocean Voyages
We think they call these epicurean cruises 'walk on, roll off'.
Tolpuddle Vineyard opens Tasting Room in Coal River Valley
Tolpuddle Vineyard is opening its Tasting Room at their Coal River Valley property in Richmond, Tasmania, this Friday, 13 December. The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room, managed by Pip Anderson, previously general manager of hospitality at Mona, will be open from Friday to Monday, 11am to 5pm with appointments available online. Visitors can taste a flight […]
Air Tahiti Nui celebrates big wins with 2025 APEX awards and Cash & Miles Program
Air Tahiti Nui has again been recognised for service to travellers being honoured with the prestigious Five Star Major Airline title for the 7th consecutive year. Announced at the APEX/IFSA Awards 2025 ceremony, the ranking is based on passenger reviews of over one million flights and 600 airlines. The flagship carrier of The Islands of […]
The future is here! Travel DAZE is back for 2025
Check out all the details for the 2025 Travel DAZE here! It is not one to miss!
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group set to sign two iconic European hotels by early 2025
Whether you like your caffeine from a classy Parisian cafe, or a hazy Dutch coffee shop, Mandarin has you covered.
APT Travel Group’s new-look websites for APT Luxury Travel and Travelmarvel
Hopefully this will have clients come in knowing what they want. We said 'hopefully'.
NETGEAR unveils new mobile hotspot designed to connect travellers on the go
For a moment there we thought we were working for a tech trade publication rather than travel when writing this!
Hotel Sorrento unveils Saint-Tropez-inspired Rooftop dining destination
Best to book ahead as all those Melbourne staycationers heading to their insular peninsula pad will be thirsty.
Blossoms, Louboutins and tears: behind the scenes at the Women in Travel Awards 2024
Now the big show is over, everyone wants to know how we pulled it together. Here are the juicy details.
Emirates remains Premier Partner of the Collingwood Football Club until 2029
Hopefully the renewed deal will help the Pies fly higher than 9th on the ladder in season 2024. Go Swans!
Qatar Airways’ Student Club marks four-year milestone with educate a child campaign
Qatar Airways’ Student Club program is marking its fourth anniversary by teaming up with the charity Education Above All that will see the carrier donate $10 for every booking made by a club member. Education Above All is the non-profit organisation founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson and founder of Education Above […]
Pan Pacific Perth announces launch of its Wellness Program
Having stayed at the Pan Pac Perth you'd be hard pressed getting us out of the room for a workout.